Deanne Balch

Deanne Bartlett Balch passed away on November 22, 2020 at Midmichigan Midland Hospital.  She was born in Charlevoix, Michigan on June 20, 1942, to Luella “Tut” (Cunningham) and Gordon Bartlett.

On April 15, 1961, Deanne married Ronald “Bud” Balch.  They continued to make Charlevoix their home throughout their fifty-three years of married life and passed their love of Charlevoix on to their two daughters, Bambi Lynn (Butch) Potter and Stephanie Ann Balch-Kelly (Dan).

Deanne was a 1960 graduate of Charlevoix High School and briefly attended Davenport Business School in Grand Rapids.  She worked in the business arena throughout her life including various positions at area banks and several years in the Charlevoix City Clerk’s office.  Following her retirement from Charlevoix State Bank in 2005, Deanne and Bud enjoyed traveling and liked to spend some time each winter in the South.

At various times throughout her life, Deanne enjoyed playing golf and tennis, camping, playing cards and games and loved listening to music and watching old movies.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxillary, the Charlevoix Elks and the Charlevoix Historical Society.  In earlier years, she assisted in creating a Charlevoix Co-Op Nursery School, was an officer of the Charlevoix Women’s Club and a Red Cross volunteer.

Deanne is survived by her daughters and many cousins.  She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-three years and her parents.

The family would like to give special thanks to those who helped out during Deanne’s last months: Jan Olach, Janet Beattie, Jeanne Davis, Birdie Whitley, Georgia Boyer, Fred and Helen Allen, and Don Heise.  Your friendship and compassion truly meant the world to us all.

A memorial service for Deanne will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, 209 State St. Charlevoix, MI 49720.  Luncheon to follow at the Charlevoix Elks Lodge.

The family suggests that memorial contributions in Deanne’s honor be made to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society, 614 Beardsley St., Boyne City, MI 49712 or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenuneralhomes.com